Chemicals and Cancer - Essay Example

Introduction Cancer is a many varied disease and its causes are as correspondingly complex and difficult to determine. Researchers have determined that one of the main causes of cancer are the everyday chemicals that one encounters in their everyday experiences. This essay considers the current state of affairs regarding the complex relationship between cancer causing chemicals and their existence in our everyday lives, specifically in the cosmetic products one uses, and the food one eats. Cosmetic Products I. Propylene glycol In a cosmetic market that is virtually unregulated and full of uncertainty, consumers are led to believe that the uses of health care products are 100% harmless. However researchers and physicians today believe that cosmetic products contain chemically harmful ingredients that can cause cancer. Types of Chemicals Propylene glycol is one of the most used chemicals in many personal health care products. The scariest thing about this chemical is the origin of it and where it is most generally found. According to Servan-Schreiber (2009), Propylene glycol is a substance that is found in “industrial antifreeze, brake/hydraulic fluid, paint and airplane de-icer” (Servan-Schreiber 27). The reason for concern when using this chemical in cosmetics is because of its capability to suppress the maturing process of the skin and cause destruction to actual skin cells (Servan-Schreiber 27). During the manufacture of personal care products, with this ingredient, the Environmental Protection Agency orders employees to wear “protective gloves, clothing and goggles” in attempts to provide protection from this harmful chemical” (Servan-Schreiber 4). This chemical is found in such everyday healthcare products as lotions, hair care products, aftershave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpastes. II. Sodium Lauryl Sufate Sodium Lauryl Sufate, also known as SLS, is another chemical that can be found in a wide range of personal health care products. This chemical is of most concern to health care researchers and the FDA because of its highly carcinogenic capabilities. When SLS is mixed with other substances a change can occur, producing an even stronger carcinogenic chemical called nitrosamine. Nitrosamines affect the body by increasing nitrate levels that in turn increase the risk for cancer. When absorbed through the skin and into the body, “SLS enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain” (Servan-Schreiber 5). The continual build up of such a highly carcinogenic material in the body could eventually cause adverse effects. SLS is a common ingredient in such industrial products as engine degreasers, garage/concrete floor cleaners, and car wash soap. The place most likely to find SLS in personal health care products is shampoo. Approximately 90% of all shampoos contain SLS. Other places to find SLS include toothpaste, hair conditioner and anything that foams (Servan-Schreiber 5) III. Diethanolamine Diethanolamine, also known as DEA, is of increasing concern to the FDA because of the highly toxic makeup of the chemical. DEA is best described as a “hormone-disrupting chemical,” and when introduced into the body it is likely to create cancerous nitrates and nitrosamines (VanDoren 2). According to Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois, “repeated skin applications of DEA based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers -liver and kidney cancers” (Servan-Schreiber 7). Just as SLS collects in the internal organs, DEA is also said to do the same. DEA is mostly found in products that produce foam, such as bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. IV. Isopropyl alcohol Isopropyl alcohol is yet another chemical found in personal health care products. This toxic ingredient damages much needed materials in the body by changing the bodies’ “natural qualities” (Servan-Schreiber 1). While Isopropyl alcohol is not as widely discussed by researchers, it is still a harmful ingredient that is present in many health care products. Isopropyl alcohol is a petroleum based substance and is used in antifreeze. This chemical is found in many cosmetics, hair color rinses, hand lotions, and aftershave. Polyethylene glycol or PEG is also a known harmful chemical used by cosmetic manufacturers. The job of PEG is to breakdown oil and grease and is used for that purpose in things such as, oven cleaners. While manufacturers use this chemical frequently, it is responsible for removing the “Natural Moisture factor” in our body and on the skin surface (Servan-Schreiber 3). This chemical is found in a variety of health care products, such as antiperspirants, baby products, lipsticks and protective creams (VanDoren 75). The bottom line is that everyday consumers are exposed to these harmful chemicals. By simply reading labels of products tucked under the bathroom sink anyone can acknowledge that as a fact. Cancer Causing Chemicals in Food Ever since we were small children, we have been bombarded with information on the importance of a well-balanced diet containing grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy products, and some sweets. We were also taught, through the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid that was plastered on every wall imaginable, the daily recommendation needed for each are 6-11 servings of bread, cereal, rice and pasta; 3 to 5 servings of vegetables; 2 to 4 servings of fruit; 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and 2 to 3 servings of dairy products. However, how many people can actually say that they have always followed these guidelines to eating healthy and maintaining a diet low in fat? Well, if you do not, you could be putting yourself at risk of developing certain types of cancer. Scientists believe that a tendency to develop a certain type of cancer can be hereditary, but today many individuals develop cancer from carcinogens that are found in the foods we eat. Although there are certain foods we should avoid, many foods contain cancer-fighting properties that help to ward off cancer or diminish cancer cell growth. Carcinogens are cancer-causing agents that attack normal cells and may eventually cause one of them to become cancerous. (World Book Encyclopedia) For many years, scientists have known that alcohol is a carcinogen that many humans consume regularly. It’s necessary to drink alcohol in moderation because the more one drinks the more one increases their risk of getting cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, liver, lungs, and colon. One study showed that “an increase in risk followed consumption of three alcoholic drinks per day, which rises to a 60 percent risk (over the general population) with six or more drinks per day.” (Thomas) One must also cut back on fatty foods like meats and butter because they are saturated fats that harden at room temperature. High fat diets have been linked to breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Also, meats contain dioxin, which is a very potent carcinogen. It’s necessary not to overcook meats, because the longer it stays on the grill the more carcinogens are produced within the meat. Last but not least, it’s necessary to eat processed meats sparingly, like hot dogs and sandwich meats. In order to preserve this meat, sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate are used. Although sodium nitrate is not that bad, when cooked it turns into nitrite. “When nitrite combines with other compounds, it forms nitrosamines, which are cancer-causing chemicals.” (Thomas) One report claims “that 30% to 40% of cancers are directly linked to diet and related factors, like weight and activity. Changes in diet, the report concluded, could prevent as many as 375,000 cases of cancer each year just in the US.” (Thomas) Eating healthy is probably one of the most important things you can do in your life to protect yourself. There is no one type of food that fights cancer better than the rest, so eating a variety of foods will be the best thing to do. You can start by eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. “Over the past 20 years, scientists all over the world have consistently found that people who eat greater amounts of vegetables and fruits have lower rates of cancer” (Women Today Magazine). Conclusion As can be seen cancer causing chemicals exist in a highly diverse selection of food and cosmetic products that one uses in their everyday life. While it’s impossible to simply avoid anything that could potentially cause cancer, as the existence of cancer causing chemicals is so highly prevalent that simple avoidance is made unfeasible. Instead individuals need to remain conscious of the products and chemicals that researchers have determined can contribute to cancer and understand the means by which they can mediate and take steps to avoid overconsumption. Ultimately, while completing avoiding cancer causing chemicals in food and cosmetic products is not possible one can take great measures to consume them in moderation. Bibliography Page World Book Encyclopedia. Cancer. World Book, Inc. Chicago, 1990. Vol. 3 pgs 167-169 Servan-Schreiber, David. (2009) Anticancer, A New Way of Life. Viking Adult. Thomas, Chris. Common Sense About Foods and Cancer. http://www.cancerpage.com/cancernews/cancernews2081.html. April 19, 2002 VanDoren, Peter. (2000). Chemicals, Cancer, and Choices: Risk Reduction Through Markets. Cato Institute. Women Today Magazine. Cancer Fighting Foods. (2002). http://www.womentodaymagazine.com/foodcooking/cancerfightingfoods.html. April 19, 2002 Read More